In a tragic incident over the weekend, an 8-year-old girl was drowned after she was pulled into a malfunctioning pipe at a hotel pool in northwest Houston. The girl has been identified as Aliyah Lynette Jaico, according to her family.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening at the lazy river-style swimming pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Aliyah was reported missing at around 6 p.m. after her family realized she was no longer in sight. Worried, her family searched the entire area, including the pool, but could not find her, according to Tim Miller, the founder of Texas EquuSearch.

After reviewing security footage, investigators confirmed that Aliyah had entered the water but did not resurface. Taking immediate action, search teams attached cameras from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to long poles and drained the pool to inspect the pipes.

To their utmost sadness, investigators discovered that Aliyah had been pulled 20 feet into a 16-inch diameter pipe. The rescue operation, involving the Houston Fire Department and a team of professionals, lasted approximately 13 hours before her lifeless body was recovered from the pipe.

Officials investigating the incident revealed that the new piping in the pool appeared to be malfunctioning, as it was intended to release water but instead was pulling water in. The DoubleTree by Hilton hotel declined to comment on the matter, but they did confirm that the pool has been temporarily closed.

Further scrutiny of the hotel's pool facilities revealed multiple violations, according to the Houston Health Department's inspection report from Monday. One violation noted was the absence of a valid document explaining the function, installation date, and expiration date for the 32-inch channel drains on the pool walls. The inspection report also mentioned that the video footage captured by the hotel is being reviewed by their legal team, delaying its release to authorities.

As investigators continue their inquiry into the tragic incident, questions arise about the hotel's maintenance protocols and adherence to safety standards for their pool facilities. The community mourns the loss of young Aliyah and hopes for a thorough investigation to prevent such accidents in the future.

Authorities and relevant agencies are urging all hotels and establishments to prioritize safety measures to protect the well-being of their guests, particularly children, while using their recreational facilities.